Detroit Tigers: Four Intriguing Trade Targets to Improve Pitching Depth

Archie Bradley, Arizona Diamondbacks

So far in his Major League career, things haven’t exactly gone as planned for former top prospect Archie Bradley.

In 26 starts for the Diamondbacks, the 24-year-old pitched to a 5.02 ERA in 141.2 innings. Over the same span, he registered seven wild pitches, four hit batters and two balks.

As it stands, Arizona has Zack Greinke, Shelby Miller, Patrick Corbin, Rubby De La Rosa and former Detroit Tigers pitcher Robbie Ray under contract for multiple seasons. Braden Shipley is another future starting option for the team, as is Zack Godley.

Despite the struggles, there is still considerable upside with Bradley. It remains to be seen whether Arizona would part with him, but his 143 strikeouts in 141.2 inning certainly suggest he can be effective in the Majors. What’s more, the pitcher’s run prevention numbers suggest he was better than his unsightly ERA would indicate.

During the 2016 campaign, Bradley posted a 4.10 FIP, a 4.10 xFIP and a 4.35 SIERA. The starter’s .338 BABIP also contributed to his ERA.

With a new general manager set to take over at some point in Arizona, it is possible that the incoming general manager will want to shape the team to their liking.

It may seem strange to deal a young pitcher with upside, but it has happened before with new general managers. Just last winter, Jerry Dipoto sent Carson Smith and Roenis Elias to Boston for Wade Miley and Jonathan Aro.